The Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF), one of the largest state-based funding sources for civil legal aid, announced $1.8 million in funding for Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TLRA) to provide legal services to Texans impacted by the July Texas flooding, according to a press release. Funding was provided by the Texas Legislature, the Fulbright & Jaworski Foundation, and the “Stand With Santos” campaign, an initiative led by State Bar of Texas President Santos Vargas to raise support for legal aid disaster relief from the legal community.
“So many people suffered devastating losses of life and property in the July Fourth Hill Country storms, and as lawyers we are committed to helping them the best way we can—by meeting their legal needs and supporting organizations that do the same,” Vargas said in a press release. “Through the Stand With Santos campaign, the State Bar is challenging all Texas lawyers to give money or pledge pro bono hours to support extending access to justice to more Texans, and we are proud to partner with the Texas Access to Justice Foundation in this effort.”
TLRA will use the funding to assist Texans with matters such as insurance disputes, access to FEMA benefits, housing instability, and contractor fraud. Legal services will specifically support flood-impacted individuals residing within TRLA’s service area and in other flood-impacted counties. The grant will also support additional staff and trained volunteers to assist survivors at a recovery center in Kerrville and at other outreach centers and events for those seeking legal assistance.
“When Texans are recovering from a disaster, legal aid helps them protect their homes, families and livelihoods. Legal aid providers help survivors navigate legal matters and access the resources they need to rebuild their lives,” TAJF Board of Directors Chair Deborah Hankinson said in a press release. “With this support, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is there at one of life’s most critical moments, delivering the legal help that allows people to recover and move forward.”
Texans affected by recent flooding who need legal assistance can contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid by going to trla.org or by calling 1-888-988-9996 for assistance.